Many people get tattoos as a type of body art. Tattoos can be colorful designs, meaningful symbols, or words that are personally important. For teenagers, tattoos can be a way to show who they are and be creative. Some teens might think about getting a tattoo to celebrate big moments, like finishing school or reaching a personal goal. It’s a big deal for teens to decide to get a tattoo.
In South Carolina, it’s against the law for a tattoo artist to tattoo the head, face, or neck of someone else, and it’s also not allowed to tattoo a person under 18 without permission from a parent or guardian. This guideline is there because tattoos are permanent and can change how a person looks forever.
Teens should really think about what they want in a tattoo and talk openly with their parents or guardians about it. They should also think about how a tattoo might affect their future, like finding a job and how people see them in public.
According to Matthew Sassi, one of our computer science teachers, getting tattoos at any time can have pros and cons. One pro is that a tattoo makes you stand out and be unique, regardless of how many people have tattoos. A tattoo is usually unique to an individual and can be a conversation starter, leading to potential connections with different people. It allows people to express themselves, which is really important. On the other hand, teenagers often have changing preferences, which can affect their satisfaction with a tattoo. It’s common to have second thoughts after getting a tattoo, but you can’t get a refund like groceries, electronics, etc.
“I never really had any negatives with the tattoos I have with any job I have had. I always abide by the rules and make sure my tattoos are covered anywhere that shies away from them. There have been very few instances where people outside of jobs have given me a negative reaction, but they are entitled to their opinion. My tattoos are for me after all and I am the only one that should be happy with them in general. Everyone else that likes them is just a plus for me,” says Sassi.
If someone isn’t sure about a permanent tattoo, he/she can try temporary tattoos for fun and experiment with different styles without making a long-term commitment. Temporary tattoos let teens express themselves and try out different looks while still having the option to change them later. No matter if it’s permanent or not, tattoos are a way for teens to show who they are and be creative.
Senior Emily Waters went to get her first tattoo on her 18th birthday.
“I think people should be 18 to legally get a tattoo but 16 with parental consent,” states Emily. ” I think parents should have a say since a tattoo is permanent and can be life changing.”
Getting a tattoo is a personal choice that requires careful consideration. It’s important for teens to understand the laws in their state and to have open conversations with their parents or guardians. While tattoos can be a beautiful form of self-expression, they should think about how their choices today could impact their future. Ultimately, tattoos are a reflection of who we are, and we should choose designs that truly resonate with us.
Photo credit: Google
